Key Takeaways
- Astigmatism means the front of your eye has a football-like shape, which can blur your vision at any distance.
- Toric contact lenses can correct astigmatism, along with nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Forest City Optometry offers toric lenses, which come in daily and monthly options.
- Soft, rigid, and hybrid lenses are all options for astigmatism.
- A contact lens exam helps your eye doctor find a comfortable fit for your eyes.
You squint at street signs and rub your eyes after an afternoon on the laptop, yet the words still look a little blurry. If an eye doctor has told you that you have astigmatism, you may picture glasses as your only path forward. But at Forest City Optometry, we can help you find contact lenses that work for astigmatism.
Yes, you can get contact lenses for astigmatism, and toric lenses are one option. A contact lens exam can help you learn which lens type suits your eyes and your routine.
What Is Astigmatism?
Your cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye) is meant to be shaped like a basketball, round and even. With astigmatism, the front of your eye is shaped more like a football. That uneven curve causes light to focus at more than one point, so letters and lines can look blurry or stretched.
Many people have astigmatism from birth or develop it throughout life. It can also develop after an eye injury or surgery.
Common Signs of Astigmatism
You might notice one or more of these signs:
- Your vision looks blurry or distorted, whether you’re reading a menu or watching a hockey game across the arena.
- You squint often, or your eyes feel strained and tired.
- You get frequent headaches, especially after tasks that require visual focus.
- You have trouble seeing at night and notice glare around oncoming headlights.
If these signs persist or worsen, an eye exam can help find the reason.
What Are Toric Contact Lenses?
Toric lenses are contact lenses designed to correct astigmatism. They can also correct nearsightedness or farsightedness, so one lens can handle both needs.
These lenses are designed to stay in place when you blink, which helps keep your view steady no matter what your day has in store.
Toric Lenses at Forest City Optometry
We offer toric lenses for astigmatism. Depending on your prescription and your needs, you may be able to choose between daily or monthly lenses.
Our team bases each recommendation on your eyes, your prescription, and your habits. This personalized vision care helps your lens choice fit the way you live.
Types of Contact Lenses for Astigmatism
Soft toric lenses are one choice, but the eye doctor may suggest another type based on your eyes.
Soft Toric Lenses
Soft toric lenses are flexible and comfortable, and they suit mild to moderate astigmatism. They can shift a little, so the eye doctor may make small adjustments to the fit.
Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid gas permeable lenses, or RGP lenses, hold their shape well, which can give you sharp, clear vision. They’re a common option for irregular astigmatism.
They feel firmer than soft lenses at first, but comfort often improves as your eyes adjust.
Hybrid Lenses
Hybrid lenses pair a rigid centre with soft, comfortable edges, so they’re less likely to fall out during certain activities.
Contacts vs. Glasses for Astigmatism
Contacts give you a wide field of view, so you can glance to the side without looking past a frame edge. With no frames, nothing slides down your nose during your active hobbies.
Prescription glasses remain a simple, reliable option. Many people use both, wearing contacts for sports and glasses for regular evenings at home.
Why Contacts for Astigmatism Can Cost More
Toric and specialty lenses often cost more than standard contacts for a few reasons:
- The detailed lens design costs more to make.
- The fit may take extra time to get right.
- You may try a few pairs before you find the one that suits you.
What to Expect at a Contact Lens Exam
During your contact lens exam in London, your eye doctor measures your prescription, axis, and cylinder power. The axis shows the direction of your astigmatism, and the cylinder power shows how much correction you need.
This is a good time to talk about your lifestyle. Tell the eye doctor if your eyes feel dry by mid-afternoon or if bright light bothers you, since these details can shape which lens they suggest.
A follow-up visit checks how the lenses fit once you’ve worn them for a while.
Simple Contact Lens Care Tips
A few daily habits can help keep your lenses comfortable:
- Follow your lens replacement schedule.
- Unless otherwise told, never sleep or nap in your lenses.
- Keep up with regular eye exams.
Find Your Contact Lens Fit
Toric, RGP, and hybrid lenses give you several ways to correct astigmatism without relying on glasses alone. Forest City Optometry provides contact lens exams, toric lenses, and family eye care for people across London and nearby areas. Ready to try contacts? Book your eye exam today.
